Statistical analysis of heat-induced rock physics and mineralogical alteration processes of monzogranite samples from Bátaapáti, Hungary

Abstract

Heat-induced physical changes of rocks, as would happen in fire accidents, have crucial importance in the long-term stability of underground openings such as tunnels or radioactive waste disposal chambers. The thermal behaviour of monzogranite from the Radioactive waste repository of Bátaapáti (Hungary) was studied in that context. Room temperature (22 °C) and a series of high temperature (250 °C, 375 °C, 500 °C, 625 °C, 750 °C) heat-treated samples were tested. P and S- ultrasound pulse velocity, bulk density, Duroskop rebound, uniaxial compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity were measured and compared, detecting temperature-related changes. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Median tests were carried out to analyze the heat-induced rock mechanical and mineralogical alteration processes. Based on these results using the data set of physical parameters, it is possible to predict the heating temperature of granitic rocks when the firing or heat stress conditions are unknown. Additionally, the data could be utilized for design and monitoring systems in underground repositories or tunnel systems constructed in granitic rock settings globally. The study demonstrated that significant alteration occurs above 500 °C; all studied rock-mechanical parameters decreased rapidly. These changes are linked to the thermal expansion, micro-cracking in micro-fabric, and volumetric increase and fragmentation of quartz inversion. Consequently, the propagation velocities of P- and S-waves also decreased significantly. Bulk density and Duroskop surface strength significantly decreased above 375 °C, while uniaxial compressive strength and modulus of elasticity dropped drastically at 750 °C after a linear decrease.